Favre back in the game -- as an NFL Network analyst

Favre hasn't been heard from much since retiring after the 2010 season with the Vikings. He returns to the city where he led the Green Bay Packers to a 35-21 victory over New England in the 1997 Super Bowl. It's also where he and the Vikings lost the NFC Championship Game to the Saints three years ago.

"I don't miss the grind and stress of day-to-day football, but I do miss my teammates and coaches," Favre said in an e-mail to the Associated Press.

He chose to appear on "NFL GameDay Morning" because he could work with friends such as Steve Mariucci, Deion Sanders and Warren Sapp, and because the game is in New Orleans. Favre will join host Rich Eisen as well as former players on the show.

Asked if more announcing is ahead, Favre said: "I don't see it anytime soon but that interest may change in the future."

Culliver apologizes

San Francisco cornerback Chris Culliver apologized for anti-gay remarks he made during a media day interview a day earlier.

"Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart," he said in a statement released by the team. "It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this."

During an interview Tuesday, Culliver responded to questions from comedian Artie Lange by saying he wouldn't welcome a gay player in the locker room. He also said the 49ers didn't have any homosexual players and, if they did, those players should leave.

Boger selected as ref

The Fritz Pollard Alliance, which advocates the hiring of minorities for NFL coaching and front-office positions, applauded the league for picking Jerome Boger as the second African-American referee to officiate the Super Bowl.

"Boger is one of the most respected officials in the NFL," said John Wooten, chairman of the alliance.

Boger entered the league in 2004 as a line judge and was promoted to referee in 2006.